Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) dives for the end zone in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

"You never know which plays are going to win it," said linebacker Vinny Rey, who sat on the turf near the end zone in disbelief as the Titans celebrated the game-winning touchdown. "I can't lose those one-on-one battles. We all got to look each other in the mirror, look ourselves in the mirror. Can't lose one-on-one battles like that, especially on third down. Can't give up catches, we can't have penalties, all of us."

And still, Cincinnati could have overcome those errors with just one more play. It didn't come. Instead, even a slew of fortunate breaks and turnovers couldn’t stop the 2017 Bengals train from taking another familiar fade off the tracks.

"I don’t even know what to say," cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. "It’s been a frustrating season. ... We want to continue and to win so it don’t become us fighting for our pride, us fighting for our dignity. We don’t want to do that."

Game ball

A.J. Green. One week after his ejection and mea culpa against Jacksonville, Green made good by his teammates by breaking past cornerback Logan Ryan and making safety Johnathan Cyprien miss to run 70 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Green finished the game with five receptions for 115 yards and the score.

"This game is very emotional," Green said. "It's up and down, this game we play. We stayed the course and make the play when your number is called. It happened to be mine and I just made the play."

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a slant and runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

Upon further review

The call which landed Vontaze Burfict in the showers before halftime was one we’ve seen close to being thrown before. In previous weeks he’s multiple times been close to contacting officials, walking away with his hands in the air, only to see both sides move on. This time when he hit the referee’s arm to get it off him, the flag and ejection came out. It wasn’t an egregious transgression, but you can’t contact an official. If you do, even with a mundane arm move like this, you put yourself in jeopardy of getting booted. Especially if you are Burfict and the officials are always looking for a reason for you to live up to your reputation.

Personnel change

John Ross was active for the third time this year, getting the nod over Tyler Boyd. Boyd was technically a healthy scratch as he wasn’t listed on the injury report, but had been out with a knee injury suffered against Buffalo.

Ross jumped Cody Core on the depth chart and saw a smattering of snaps. The biggest shot came in the second quarter when Dalton targeted him running down the sideline, but Ross stopped running.

He barely saw the field after that play.

"That was all my fault," Ross said. "I kinda messed up what I had to do. I think it’s a slim chance he’s supposed to do something like that, so that was all my fault. It had nothing to do with him. I think it was a great ball. I’ve got to just listen to what I was told and continue to do it right instead of wrong.”

Injury report

Adam Jones (concussion): Left the game in the third quarter and didn’t return after sustaining a concussion.

Wiliam Jackson III (toe): Left the game in the second half and didn’t return.

Upon further review, Part 2

Coach Marvin Lewis and multiple players questioned a number of calls going against the Bengals on Sunday.

In all, Cincinnati was hit with 12 penalties for 84 yards. The Titans had five penalties for 55 yards. The 12 penalties are tied for the fifth-most in the Lewis Era and most since October of 2015.

"We got every call against us today," Lewis said.

The theme continued to the players.

"We kind of killed ourselves," Darqueze Dennard said. "I feel like the refs kind of did their part in it. Once it goes to that type of stuff it’s kind of out of control."

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) reacts after a turnover in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

No calls were larger than three third-down flags against Josh Shaw. He moved into the slot with multiple injuries at corner and the Titans went after him. All three would have been stops, but instead drives continued.

None was more important than third-and-5 when he committed a hold on the Titans' game-winning drive. Shaw said he was beat on a double move and had to grab but saw others as less clear cut.

"Not really my job to judge the officiating or something like that," Shaw said. "I just have to go back there and play and be in good enough position to where there is no gray area or anything like that so it is not getting called."

Titans coach Mike Mularkey notes the double moves were part of Tennessee's plan of attack.

"If they didn't do what they did we'd have wide open guys," he said. "Every hold they had we had a double move on and they were beat to a point they had to hold."

Three keys revisited

Simply score more: The Bengals found a spark from Brandon LaFell in the first quarter breaking free for a deep touchdown and burning the Titans on a shovel pass, plus with an assist from a Darqueze Dennard interception Joe Mixon scored his third touchdown. Once Green crossed the goal line, the Bengals had more offensive points than in any game this season and first three-touchdown game of the season not against the Browns.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) carries the ball on a jet sweep in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

Win third down: More of the same for the Bengals defense failing to get off the field on third downs early. Last week against Jacksonville, the Jaguars converted nine of their first 10 and 12 of 18 overall. This week, the Titans converted 5 of 7 on third down in the first half and 7 of 15 overall. Meanwhile, the Bengals were 1 of 10 on third down, still struggling to sustain drives, instead relying on big plays to produce points.

Special teams impact: Adam Jones broke a 23-yard punt return to set the Bengals up in Titans territory to begin the third quarter, but it led to nothing. Otherwise, the impact by special teams was left to a solid day from Kevin Huber, but the negative of Randy Bullock missing an extra point.

Photo of the game

Salute to Service was the theme of the day and the choppers rolling overhead before the game created this beauty from our Kareem Elgazzar.

Game changer

The worst rule in football. The Bengals were saved as Corey Davis attempted to leap into the end zone, but saw the ball dislodged by Kirkpatrick and end up going out of the end zone for a touchback and the Bengals ball. The crazy rule took an almost certain eventual touchdown off the board for the Titans and what could have been an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) turns downfield after making a catch in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

Three key numbers

35

The 37-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell was the ninth play of 35-plus yards this season for the Bengals. Then A.J. Green followed that with his 70-yard TD in the fourth quarter. The Bengals had not had more than two in a single game this year and only two went for touchdowns. On Sunday, they added two more for scores.

75

The Titans ran 34 more offensive plays than the Bengals Sunday. The final tally was 84-50. Last week against Jacksonville the difference was 78-37, a deficit of 41 plays. So, over the last two weeks they have run 75 fewer offensive plays than their opponents.

55

Number of first downs the Bengals have racked up in the second halves of games this year. Entering this week that was nine fewer than anyone else in the league. They only had five first downs in the second half Sunday. Equal to the number of punts.

3 for 3

The Bengals allowed a touchdown on all three Tennessee red zone possessions. Cincinnati entered the game tops in the league in red zone defense.

3.8

Bengals yards per carry. Even though it's not great, it's a vast imporvment from what they have been. It marked only the second time in the last six games they averaged better than 2.9 yards per rush.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is upended in the in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

Quote of the game, Part 1

Darqueze Dennard on not being able to get DeMarco Murray down on the game-winning touchdown.

"Tried to hold the touchdown off and basically get ready for them to take a shot at the end zone. I know it’s third down. At least take a shot at the end zone. They check the ball down. We rallied to it. I got to some way get him down on the ground to not be in that position to be able to run with the ball. I’m kind of beating myself up right now because I was there. I feel like I got a good hit on him, just wasn’t enough."

Song of the game

The Bengals season summed up by one of Nashville's finest. I went down, down, down, and the flames they went higher.

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Members of the military present the American flag before the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws in the first quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch in the first quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) scores a touchdown in the first quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a deep pass in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) recovers a fumble in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) reacts on the bench after he was ejected from the game for making contact with an official in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) carries the ball on a jet sweep in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries the ball in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) runs back an intercepted pass in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) scores a touchdown in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores a touchdown in the first quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) complains to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis after he was flagged for making contact with an official in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) leaps for the end zone on an interception return in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) leaps for the end zone on an interception return in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) dives for the end zone in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) reacts after he was flagged for making contact with an official in the second quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) walks to the locker room after suffering an injury in the third quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) turns downfield after making a catch in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) reacts after a turnover in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is upended in the in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is unable to make a deep catch in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis watches from the sideline in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a slant and runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a slant and runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) rests his hands on his hips in reaction to the go-ahead touchdown by Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) scrambles out of pressure in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) walks off the field after the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) and the defense walks off the field after giving up the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) reacts as the defense walks off the field after giving up the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals fans cheer on the team in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar

The Tennessee Titans defense breaks up a desperation long pass in the fourth quarter during the Week 10 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kareem Elgazzar